Good timing
TOWNER, N.D. — I once saw a “demotivational” poster that said, “Mistakes — it could be that the purpose of your life is only to serve as a warning to others.” Pretty inspirational, huh?
There have been times in my 23 years of post-college cattle ranching when I felt my marketing decisions were best used as a warning to others. Kind of a “whatever I do, do the opposite” piece of marketing advice for others. Monday, February, 23, 2015 - Agweek - News

Specialty crops draw more interest after drop in wheat, corn and soybean prices
Tyler Lang might be a little busier than usual the next few months.
The Sterling, N.D., seed salesman handles crops such as barley, oats and field peas, and his product line has extra appeal going into the new growing season.
“There should be more interest this year,” he says. Monday, February, 23, 2015 - Agweek - News

Climatologist says lack of snow could bring dry spring in North Dakota
North Dakota is the “land of climatic extreme,” which complicates his job, the state climatologist says.
But the state, dry already, could become even drier this spring, Adnan Akyuz said.
The lack of snow “will make a big impact (on potential moisture) this spring,” he said. Unless spring brings new precipitation, “drought conditions will be intensified.” Thursday, February, 19, 2015 - Agweek - News

Potato industry wins on WIC, but more on to-do list
American potato growers have fought and won what one industry leader calls “a long, lonely battle” to restore the vegetable to the approved list for the government’s Women, Infants and Children program. Wednesday, February, 18, 2015 - Agweek - News

From cattle to corn, crude oil dive ripples through farm economy
The lowest energy prices since 2009, which have already benefited transport, retail and industrial companies, are giving farmers a boost just as the U.S. Department of Agriculture forecasts their incomes will plunge 32 percent this year. Tuesday, February, 17, 2015 - Reuters - News

Lentils markets remain red-hot
WINNIPEG, Manitoba — Lentil markets remain red-hot. It’s a gift, considering the poor quality. The year started out looking heavy, with 2014 plantings way up from 2013, but it was a tough production year, both quantity and quality. Monday, February, 16, 2015 - Agweek - News

Drought clouds grass-fed beef aspirations
Texas rancher Jim Rackley would like to add more cattle to his herd of about 50 to take advantage of sizzling beef prices and growing demand from health-conscious consumers for his grass-fed beef. But the prospect of cloudless skies keeps him cautious. Monday, February, 16, 2015 - Reuters - News

US, Canadian groups collaborate on website aid
The CWB, formerly known as the Canadian Wheat Board, was privatized in 2011, and the change is still generating questions in both Canada and the U.S. Monday, February, 16, 2015 - Agweek - News

Many issues still unresolved in nitrate fight
For more than a year, the Des Moines Water Works has been warning every private farmer and public official in Iowa that it would sue anyone or any entity it deemed responsible for the dangerously high nitrate levels in the Raccoon River, a key source of the water it delivers to 500,000 people in and around Des Moines. Monday, February, 16, 2015 - - News